Kristin Bundren

Hoover, AL | 7-12, Science, 2017

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by a passion to make science meaningful and accessible for all students. I strive to foster curiosity, connect content to real-world experiences, and help students build the skills to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate effectively. I believe that excellent STEM teaching not only prepares students for future careers but also empowers them to make informed, evidence-based decisions in an increasingly complex world.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

I see my impact on STEM education every day through my students. It’s in the “aha” moment when a student finally understands why something happens, and in the joy of a student who once thought they weren’t “good” at science discovering a genuine passion for it. It’s in the energy of students collaborating, asking thoughtful questions, and constructing arguments from evidence. These daily moments affirm that I’m not just teaching science—I’m helping students develop curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking that will serve them throughout their lives.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

I hope to inspire and equip students and educators nationwide by sharing engaging, equitable strategies that help all students “do science.” By mentoring, presenting, and advocating for science education, I aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation in the next generation of STEM leaders.

Biography

Kristin Bundren has been an educator for 12 years, all of which she has dedicated to Spain Park High School in the Hoover City Schools district. She currently teaches ninth-grade pre-Advanced Placement Biology, where she fosters a rigorous and engaging learning environment. Kristin designs instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of her students, using strategies that emphasize hands-on investigations, model development, and data analysis. Through the use of Argument-Driven Inquiry, she cultivates scientific thinking by encouraging students to solve problems, engage in collaborative discussions, and support their claims with evidence. A committed teacher leader, Kristin has served as Science Department Chair and contributed to district initiatives as an engaged learning facilitator and member of the curriculum development team. She has presented at local, regional, and national conferences on topics including differentiated instruction, formative assessment, instructional technology, and scientific argumentation. Kristin holds a B.A. in Secondary Science Education from Auburn University and is certified in general science. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adulthood Science. In recognition of her excellence in education, she was named the 2025 Alabama District 3 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate with National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources Assistant Director, Dr. Karen Marrongelle, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and National Science Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Dr. F. Fleming Crim
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.